The Chehalis City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve an interlocal agreement (ILA) between the city and Lewis County for co-management within the urban growth area (UGA.)
The previous ILA between the two jurisdictions expired June 28, 2024. It was initially established to facilitate cooperative efforts between both the county’s and the city’s public works and community development departments.
The new ILA ensures that the city continues to control the permitting process for the UGA through the discussion of annexation of the UGA.
City staff brought forward a short-term agreement to be in effect until March 31, 2026. This agreement allows both parties to continue benefiting from shared services, coordinated planning, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing permit processing and maintenance of public services.
According to city staff, the newly approved ILA is essentially the same in form and content as the expired agreement. The new ILA is intended as a stop gap until such time as annexation decisions are finalized.
Numerous Lewis County municipalities have approved similar ILAs with the county, including Morton, Toledo and Vader.
